Friday's Photo of the Week . 28 September 2007

2 Joggers . 22 September Project

Dupont Circle WDC . 22 September 2007

2007 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Billy's Bakery on 9th Avenue in Chelsea

It was during an episode of Martha Stewart a few months ago that I first heard of Billy's Bakery. Since when visiting NYC, over the years, not only do I almost always stay in the Chelsea area but, since 1992, windows along 8th and 9th Avenues in the Chelsea area have been amongst my most prolific themes.

I, therefore, was quite surprised to learn during an episode of Martha Stewart that Billy's Bakery is located is located at 184 9th Avenue near 21st Street in Chelsea.

Though I have posted some of my March 2006 9th Avenue - Chelsea photos to flickr it is quite possible when I go through the entire March 2006 NYC collection, many which have not yet been posted, that I'll find images of Billy's Bakery because it was during my March 2006 visit to NYC that I focused, specifically, on windows and store fronts along 8th and 9th Avenues in Chelsea.

It was during a Saturday, 01 September 2007 photo walk that Richard and I first observed Billy's Bakery. When Richard returned on Wednesday or Thursday night to purchase a slice of chocolate cake for himself, he picked up four lemon squares for me.

His slice of chocolate cake was so big that he said that he would leave some in the refigerator for me. Returning to 'frig a few minutes later, he said "Don't worry, there is plenty left for you."

Which he would repeat several times through the night and early morning

When, the next morning, the I asked "Where is the chocolate cake from last night?" he had the audacity to look surprised and say "You must have eaten it. I left you a big piece!".

On Friday evening Richard and I met Michael at the Hunter College subway stop and took a ride out to Brooklyn which is where Richard would stay Friday night and I would join them on Sunday morning.

Not wanting to leave NYC without having experienced a Billy's cake after dining at Boston Market on West 23rd Saturday night on my way back to Lothar's apartment on West 20th, between 8th and 9th Avenue, I stopped in at Billy's Bakery and picked up a slice Billy's carrot cake.

Once back at the apartment the first thing that I did was to call Richard on cell out in Brooklyn and rub it in that, as he had done the night before with 'his' chocolate cake, I would be spending the rest of the night and early morning watching old movies on the TV and eating Billy's carrot cake.

And it was good too. But, perhaps, and as Martha would say "It was a good thing!"

When in the Chelsea are of Manhattan, it would be a good thing for you to stop in at Billy's Bakery. Located at 184 9th Avenue just north of 21st Street hours are:

Monday to Thurs: 9am-11pm
Friday: 9am-12am
Saturday: 9am-12am
Sunday: 10am-11pm

Telephone at 212.647.9956 and Fax at 212.647.9953

Here are some frequently asked questions pertaining to Billy's Bakery which is owned and operated by Billy Reeece.

The Dish Restaurant on 8th Avenue in Chelsea

I first ate at The Dish Restaurant on 8th Avenue in Chelsea NYC in February 2000 when Steve O'toole and I took a trip to Manhattan from WDC for the 2000 International Center for Photography Expo.

Arriving in NYC by AMTRAK early afternoon on Saturday, 12 February we checked it at the McBurney YMCA on West 24rd and 7th Avenue before heading over the International Center of Photography Expo on Avenue of Americas and 23rd Street.

Checking out of McBurney on Sunday morning we stopped in at Lothar's on West 20th which is where we left our things, for a few hours, before taking the AMTRAK back to DC. If my memory serves me correctly, just before Steve took a quick afternoon visit to an old friend who lives somewhere in NYC we stopped in at The Dish on 8th Avenue in Chelsea for brunch.

Since that time, when NYC I usually stop in at The Dish at least once duirng my stay. As was the case on Saturday afternoon, 01 September 2007 when Richard and I brunched at The Dish.

Click to above photo to view my 8th Avenue - Chelsea - NYC - September 2007 photo set and September 2007 NYC photo collection.

Located at 201 Eighth Avenue, between 20th and 21st Streets, in the Chelsea area of Manhattan The Dish is open from 7 am until 1 am, seven days a week. Telephone at 212-352-9800.

The Old Red Brick Church at 10th and V, NW

The old red brick church at the corner of 10th and V streets in NW WDC has always fascinated me. Though I began my photo documentation of the old red brick church at 10th and V Street, NW, in June 2005 it was not until when I recently came across THROUGH THE VALLEY at VICTORIAN SECRETS OF WASHINGTON, DC that I learned of its history.

Click the photo to visit my Peoples’ Seventh Day Baptist Church (Independent) which is part of my ongoing Religious Art & Spiritual Symbolism - Church Photography series.

Betsy Fisher 'garnished' with 5 stars in NY Times T Magazine's WDC Fall Shopping Review

I began my Fall Fashion 2007 series during my Labor Day Week 2007 visit to NYC by focusing on billboard displays.

Shortly after my Monday, 9 September return to WDC and as I have done since the spring of 1992 I began to photograph"Fall Fashion 2007" window displays in WDC.

One of the first Fall Fashion 2007 - WDC windows that I captured were taken on 19 September of Rizik's which, designed by John Kiser, I have photographed since 1992.

Located at 1224 Connecticut Avenue in NW, Betsy Fisher is also on my list of favorite windows to photograph.

By the way, congratulations are in order for Mary Elizabeth Albaugh, the founder and owner of Betsy Fisher, and her staff.

The NY Times T Magazine (Travel Section) Capital Gains article dated Sunday, 23 September 2007, garnishes Betsy Fisher with a 5 star review.

Click the above to view my ongoing Betsy Fisher and Mannequins & Store Window Displays photosets and Windows of the World collection.

Located at 1224 Connecticut Avenue, NW, WDC this Wednesday, 26 September 2007, Betsy Fisher is hosting a 5 - 8 pm SCAN THE FALL 2007 FASHION HORIZON event whereby ten percent of the evening’s sales will be donated to SCAN, Stop Child Abuse Now of Northern Virginia.

Here are details:

Join us for bellinis, antipasta and a closet-altering experience.

Saturated colors, clean shapes and rich textures make a selection from fall’s clothing, shoes and accessories a style coup. Ten percent of the evening’s sales will be donated to SCAN, Stop Child Abuse Now of Northern Virginia,, scanva.org, which provides a life-altering experience for the parents and children reached by its work to prevent and ameliorate the effects of child abuse.

Bring a friend and please RSVP to store@betsyfisher.com.

Ben Willman of Mostly Monkee Band at Dupont Circle on Friday evening, 21 September 2007

The Fall 2007 installment of Friday Evening in WDC and Friday Photo / Video Walk ongoing projects were launched last night in Dupont Circle with the photographing and videotaping of Ben Willman from the Mostly Monkee Band.

Consisting of Ben Willman on vox and guitar, Mark Miller on bass and Scott Fitzpatrick on drums Mostly Monkee is a WDC based rock-reggae, cow-punk band that plays with the energy of the Clash and the stylistic mayhem of Elvis Costello.

When checking the internet I find recent performances include sets at the 2007 Adams Morgand Day Festival, the 2007 Artomatic in May, and at The Red And The Black in November 2006 and 3 April 2007.

Learn more about the Mostly Monkee Rock Band at their website or myspace.

After videotaping and photographing Ben Willman's performance at Dupont Circle during my Friday, 21 September 2007 Walk I'm sure I'll check out a future performance.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 21 September 2007

End The War (ANSWER) March on Washington

March Assemblance . 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

NW WDC . Saturday afternnon, 15 September 2007

2007 Friday Photos of the Week

Steve Maguire's Science Club ... a refreshing aversion

I first encountered Steve Maguire the week after Easter of 1994 when out photographing along the P Street Bridge in NW WDC that I also encountered and photographed Russell Richards and Kim of The Art of Russell U. Richards. Whose art I've kept a breast of, reported on and blogged about, over the years.

These particular images of 10 April 1994 which still rank amongst my favorite reflect a very different style of photography than is the case, in recent years. Back then, it was not uncommon for me to walk up to someone and inquire if I may take up-close shots of them. However, in recent years, I tend to 'keep my distance' and photograph more as an observer ... always in motion.

Which is exactly what I was doing yesterday afternoon when after picking up a pack of CD & DVD labels from Staples at the corner 19th and L Street that I resumed my ongoing 19th Street, NW, WDC photography project. Walking north, along 19th Street, en route to Dupont Circle I photographed a 'handsome man' that, if my memory serves me correctly, I have photographed, at least, one other time in recent months sitting on the same steps.

When he asked why I had photograpahed him I explained that not unlike my Lincoln Road or 8th Avenue series, 19th Street and Golden Triangle were ongoing projects. He then said that I had photographed him several times before. Once in September 1004.

It was then, and not unlike a photographic memory, that I would visualize the images from 10 April 1994 which I mistakenly said had been taken on 19 September 1994. He said that I had also photographed him one other time, as well, but that he was not sure when or where.

Again, but not unlike a photographic memory, the images of the two faces would flash before me. Like the 10 April 1994 images the 31 October 1994 images not only rank amongst my favorite but, also, struck at the core ... since they were depictions of integrated relationships.

Something that this 50 - something gay black man knows a hell of a lot about. Which sheds light on, perhaps, why these particular images and the actual ones taken on 19 September 1993 of Phillipe and Rebecca often come to mind.

While I can not speak for the women depicted in these pictures, as a gay black male who practiced integration, my experiences has always been in sharp contrast to those of my white lovers, white friends and white colleagues.

In 1994, my picture-taking was more up-close. In 2007, it is '... from a distance ...'.

Steve Maguire KNOWS A THING OR TWO about nightlife.

Before opening the Science Club in December 2005 Maguire had been general manager at Chi-Cha Lounge on U Street and managed Gazuza on Connecticut Avenue at Dupont Circle North.

"... a bar where there's intelligent discussion about the news of the day ...", Science Club draws ahead-of-the-curve DJs and women with high heels and tiny purses, as well as people who introduce themselves to the bartender as science teachers who stopped by because they heard about the name. Couples wander in at happy hour, dressed in their office suits, for glasses of house wine and cold $3 bottles of Yuengling, and perhaps a snack of hummus or baba ghanouj. Tables are hard to come by on weekends, and the dance floor fills as DJs spin forward-looking dubstep and broken beat records.

Though I have not visited Science Club, at 1136 19th Street, NW, AOL City Guide says Science Club is an out-of-the-ordinary nightclub with a refreshing aversion to anything VIP. Since its opening Science Club has become a favorite meet - up spot for DC Drupal.

And here are some reviews of Science Club at Yelp.

While I may not be too much into the crowd nor do I drink alcohol the atmosphere and intelligent discussions certainbly interest me. And, since DJs and dance music are amongst ongoing projects, I may stop in one evening or Friday or Saturday night, at the Science Club, with friends or out-of-town guests.

Situated between L and M Streets, Steve Maguire's Science Club is located at 1136 19th Street in NW WDC. Here is the menu, the wine list, some events and contact information.

Click the above photo to view my Steve Maguire photoset.

Wirefly National Marathon Introduces New Logo

The Wirefly National Marathon introduces a brand new logo, which embodies the energy of the race within the District's powerful backdrop. Found on t-shirts, medals, signs, and all other Wirefly National Marathon paraphernalia, this iconic image of running in the District not only will be a patriotic motivation to complete all 26.2 (or 13.1) miles, it also serves as a souvenir of your ultimate accomplishment.

(Excerpted from Wirefly National Marathon E-News dated Monday, 17 September 2007).

I've just added a few more photos taken along 7th Street in the L'Enfant Plaza - SW Federal Center area to my 2nd Annual National Marathon photo collection.

15th Annual Arts On Foot at Penn Quarter TODAY - Saturday, 15 September 2007

Marking its 15th anniversary, Arts on Foot is a one-day, multimedia Festival that kicks off the fall arts season in Downtown DC’s Penn Quarter. Incorporating visual art, music, theatre, dance, film, and creative cuisine, it’s an interactive celebration the whole family will enjoy. With a lively outdoor street festival as its centerpiece, Arts on Foot also invites you to explore the neighborhood’s museums, theaters, galleries, cultural organizations, and shops. From traditional classics to cutting edge, Arts on Foot offers something for the arts and food lover in everyone!

Located on F between 7th and 9th Streets and on 8th between D and F Streets, in NW, the Outdoor Street Festival features 7th and 8th Street Cultural Corridors, a Music Stage at 8th and F Street in front of the Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture, an Art Market of more than 70 artists, the World Market Wine Tent, an array of Restaurant Sampling Pavilions and Cooking as Art Chef Demonstrations.

From Pennsylvania Avenue to L Street, NW, and 4th and 14th Streets, NW, more than 45 neighborhood venues, performing companies, and neighborhood businesses and organizations who, participating in the Neighborhood Showcase will host free activities and exhibits.

Click the above photo to my view my 2006 Arts On Foot photoset. See also my 16 September 2006 and 22 September 2006 blog postings.

Effi Barry Remembered

Mourners gathered at the John A. Wilson Building on Thursday afternoon until midnight and from 7 am until 9 am on Friday morning to pay respects to former District of Columbia first lady Effi Barry. Who, at age 63, died of leukemia on Thursday, 06 September 2007.

A funeral procession then escorted the body of Effi Barry through the streets of the Nation's Capital to the Washington National Cathedral in NW Washington DC for a Friday, 14 September 2007 funeral service scheduled to have begun at 11 am.

Images taken during Thursday's and Friday's repose service at the John A. Wilson Building may also be found in my Effi Barry Memorial (Repose) - JAWB - WDC - 13 - 14 September 2007 photo collection.

Video clip #1 and video clip #2, shot during Friday's repose, have also been included in my Effi Barry Memorial . Repose . John A. Wilson Building . WDC . Friday, 14 September 2007 compilation which features Paul Van Dyk's "Time Of Our Lives" as background music.

Gay Life & Home Show / Washington Convention Center . Saturday, 15 September 2007 . 11am - 6pm

Friday's Photo of the Week . 14 September 2007

Windows . Greenwich Village . NYC . 04 September 2007

2007 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Calvin Klein "Steel" Underwear / Fall 2007 Ad Campaign

Celebrating 25 years, Calvin Klein Underwear launched its Fall 2007 ad campaign with yet another ground-breaking international product, Calvin Klein Steel, in September 2007.

Shot in late March or early April, the Calvin Klein 'Steel" Underwear Fall 2007 campaign features images of Oscar-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou.

As a fan of Calvin Klein and in particular of his powerful ad campaigns, in 1995, I actually created and submitted plans for "Not The Shoes" ad campaign to CK. It, of course, was rejected.

While I observed and photographed many billboard displays during my September 2007 trip to NYC those of Calvin Klein's Steel Underwear rank amongst my favorite.

The above photo was shot on 8th Avenue in Chelsea on Friday afternoon, 31 August 2007.

Sparkle Hayter's "Bring Back The Bards" Hotel Chelsea Protest Campaign

Long time Chelsea Hotel resident and mystery writer Sparkle Hayter has started a protest campaign to Bring Back The Bards.

Inspired by the banner on the building and by Cinci Natalie's brilliant Bard button, Sparkle Hayter in collaboration with Ed Hamilton of Living With Legends: Hotel Chelsea Blog invite folks from around the world to contribute images to the flickr photo group "Bring Back The Bards".

For nearly 50 years, Stanley Bard and his family owned and operated the Chelsea Hotel until 24 July 2007.

Taken during my September 2007 visit to NYC, click the above photo to view my ongoing Hotel Chelsea photoset.

Designed by Casebeer of the Myers family I would love to purchase several Bring Back The Bards tee-shirts. Though musician Joe Myers has added the Troubled Notes from the Hotel Chelsea to his webiste I have not yet been able to find how to purchase the "Bring Back The Bards" tee-shirt designed by his wife, Casebeer.

Next Magazine & The Men Event Join Forces.

Next Magazine, New York's most read guide to gay life in the city and TheMenEvent.com, the city's largest Gay business and social networking company, proudly announce that they have joined forces. Beginning Tuesday, September 18, NextWorks will be co-hosted by Next and TheMenEvent.

NextWorks was developed as a means for influential gay business professionals to get together, network and make that all important business or social connection. In the past three years, NextWorks has seen its attendance skyrocket. All attendees enjoy an evening dedicated to expanding their business rolodexes, making new friends or simply to husband- hunt!

So whether you are seeking a new job, promoting your business, meeting new friends or looking for a man to flirt with, Next and TheMenEvent.com are here to serve you!

To RSVP for the 18 September 2007 NEXT-WORKS Launch Party at Splash visit TheMenEvent.com.

Artist David Combs painting in front of the Chelsea Hotel

Arriving at Port Authority in New York City shortly before 2:45 PM via the Peter Pan Bus Lines on Friday afternoon, 31 August 2007 Richard and I would taxi down 9th Avenue to Chelsea and check in at the Chelsea Savoy Hotel on West 23rd before picking up keys from Lothar on West 20th.

En route to Lothar's we observed an artist adorned in a black leather cowboy hat painting on West 23rd Street in front of the Hotel Chelsea which is just doors west of the Chelsea Savoy. Saying that I was in town from WDC and that one of my ongoing themes was street artists I inquired if I could photograph him.

When during our photo-interview that I learned that David Combs resides at the Hotel Chelsea I informed him that Ed Hamilton of the Living With Legends: Hotel Chelsea Blog and I are fellow blogists. And that when I got back to DC I would send links to Ed of the images that I took of him.

In addition to David's website and myspace blog when searching the internet I found the following pertaining to artist David Combs.

1. MySpaceTV: Chelsea Hotel Lobby #5: Day One by David Combs
2. What is the Hotel Chelsea?
3. The Connected Traveler - The Chelsea Hotel: Topsy Turvy in New York
4. Living with Legends: Hotel Chelsea Blog: The Guy Who Paints In The Lobby
5. Gothamist: Finding Things To Blog About
6. Guide for the Careering: October 2005

Click the above photo to view my 31 August 2007 David Combs photoset.

Tiles For America Memorial - Mulry Square / Greenwich Village - NYC

It was during my March 2004 visit to NYC for the M20-04 Anti-War Protest and 2004 Saint-At-Large Black Party that I first came across the Tiles For America Project. Though for a subsequent September 2004 Writings On The Wall - 11 Setember 2001 - 3rd anniversary commemoration it referred to as a September 11 Victims Memorial Wall I learned during this past NYC - Saturday, 08 September 2007 photo walk through Chelsea and The Village that the Greenwich Village NYC Memorial is part of a national project coordinated through the Contemporary Ceramic Studios Association.

In commemoration of the 5th anniversary of 9/11, TILES FOR AMERICA held a 2006 National Contest. Comprised of over 4000 tiles collected from all over the USA and several from Europe and Asia, a temporary memorial has now been erected on the Ground Zero site which will remain for approximately three years, leaving ample space on the Greenwich Village fence for new tiles. Here are pictures of some of the tiles from the NYC Memorial.

The Paint Your Own Pottery Studios from around the world responded to the invitation to participate in a Nation-wide effort to refurbish the memorial.

Here is a posting from blogist Lorrie Veasey pertaining to last year's refurbishing of the memorial at Mulry Square with a link to a website that features some of the tiles from studios that participated in the refurbishment.

Click the above photo to view my 08 September 2007 Tiles For America New York City Memorial photoset.

Videographer & Activist Cheryl Spector Dies

CherylSpector.CPF.WDC.11jun06
Originally uploaded by ElvertBarnes

Cheryl Spector, a Washington-based gay activist, died early Tuesday after a 10-week battle with leukemia, according to the Rainbow History Project.

Spector’s long list of community involvement included working with AGLA, the Human Rights Campaign, Service League Defense Network and Reel Affirmations.

A majority of her volunteer time had been devoted to the Rainbow History Project, an organization cataloguing gay local history. Spector had amassed a large video and photo archive of gay life in D.C.

Spector, a lesbian, became an AIDS activist in the 1980s after losing her brother to the disease.

A memorial service is tentatively set for Sept. 30 but time and location have not been announced.

--excerpted from the Washington Blade article dated 4 September 2007.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 31 August 2007

Vanessa Rubin . 16th Rosslyn Jazz Festival

Gateway Park . Rosslyn VA . 09 September 2006

2007 Fridays' Photos of the Week